Re: Duracell batteries

Darryl Johnson <[email protected]> wrote:

> I have run across a few complaints about Duracell batteries, of 
> various sizes, leaking and ruining devices. I seem to mostly have 
> Energizer batteries in the few things I've checked, although all my 
> lithium AA batteries are Duracells.
> 
> So far I haven't experienced any leakage on those batteries, which is 
> good since I use them on my GPS and my Canon camera. I'd rather not 
> have to replace those items.
> 
> Anyone notice Duracell -- or any mainstream brand -- leaking? It would 
> be nice to know for sure whether it was a good idea to avoid them.

When deconstructed, Duracell batteries have a thinner paste.  When there
is a leak, it is easier for thinner paste to ooze out.  While all
akaline batteries have a corrosive paste, a thin paste will cover more
of the contacts than thicker paste.  When Duracells leak, they cause
more damage.

The datestamp on the package is not how long the batteries will last
under use.  That's their shelf life.  Once used (put into service),
they're more likely to leak due to outgassing.  Every year I replace all
alkaline batteries in every device in my house, garage, and car.
Doesn't matter if they got little or no use in that time.  It's
forgetting to replace the batteries that eventually has them leak and
damage the equipment.  While once a year sounds excessive, I figure the
cost of replacing all the batteries is cheaper than replacing the gear
they're installed in.  I set a yearly reminder in my calendar apps (all
read from the same source) to replace all alkaline batteries.  

Their shelf life is a lot longer, so I can buy the batteries any time
during the year to get the best price.  For flashlights or other lightly
used or emergency gear, I used no-name brands that I've found are stable
and with decent power.  If the gear is something I will used many times
during the year, I'll get Energizer.  I shy away from Duracell because
their runny paste is more likely to ooze out and spread out.  They're
probably okay for a 1-year use-span provided you remember to replace
them after a year, but they're not worth the extra cost.  In fact, not
too long ago I hunted around for power curves on various brands of
batteries.  A few guys had equipment that would drain the batteries at
different loads to determine how much power over how long the various
brands could deliver.  In general, Duracell was less than Energizer.

To be on topic to this newsgroup, are you asking about car batteries
made by Duracell versus other brands?  Buying top-brand car batteries is
a waste of money.  They'll all have to get replaced in 4-5 years during
which they all perform the same (at the same CCA rating).  Other than
flashlight type or hand-sized batteries, I don't remember any of the
auto parts stores that I visit (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advanced Auto,
Sears, Northern Tool, Walmart, Pep Boys) ever carrying a lead-acide
"Duracell" car battery.  Where did you see a Duracell-branded lead-acid
car battery?